Moraine Lake's Azure Secret

Moraine Lake turns a distinctive shade of azure blue when full.

Moraine Lake is an alpine lake in Banff National Park, Alberta.

The glacially fed lake sits at an elevation of 1,884 metres.

Sunlight refracts off that sediment to create the pale blue colour.

Moraine Lake covers a surface area of 50 hectares.

The water reaches its crest only by middle to late June.

The road to Moraine Lake opens only during summer months.

Since 2023 personal vehicles are banned from the road year-round.

Park shuttles now carry visitors along the 10 kilometre route.

The Rockpile Trail offers one of the most photographed views in Canada.

That view appeared on the reverse of the Canadian 20 dollar bill.